Toronto-based alternative metal act Monstrosa unveils their emotionally gripping and genre-defying new single, “778,” a guitar-driven alt-rock anthem that explores themes of self-empowerment, mental health, and resilience. Catchy yet heavy, the track encapsulates Monstrosa’s signature blend of metal riffs, emo rock, and melodic vocals while showcasing frontwoman Lauren Pryce’s deeply personal lyricism.

“778” serves as a reflection of Pryce’s transformative journey through her first experience living alone. The track explores the duality of navigating external dangers and internal battles, turning her initial frustrations into an introspective dialogue about self-love, artistry, and perseverance.

The official music video for “778” marks Monstrosa’s first foray into visual storytelling. Directed by Tiffany Wice and featuring handmade masks by art director Brittany Rose, the 70s-inspired horror aesthetic amplifies the song’s themes of self-confrontation and empowerment. This visual shift also introduces the band’s new theatrical stage personas, with the masks becoming a staple of their live performances.

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically? 

“778” was written about my first solo apartment. I started with a guitar riff and was fooling around with vocals when I came up with the repeating intro line “don’t follow me home, I live alone”. But as I continued to write, the lyrics started to shift in perspective from the fear of strangers (and about my lived experiences of danger from said strangers) to the fear of myself. My mental health history and diagnosis lent my healthcare practitioners to believe I would not be able to live alone. But despite preconceived notions, living alone ended up being the most empowering time in my life. I learned to embrace my inner demons and that experiencing emotions, even the extremely intense ones, was a safe thing to do.

I chose to visualize “778” specifically because it represents a shift both in sound and in appearance for the band. My band is now made up of mythical demons as I am embracing a more theatrical and metal persona going forward. As well, the new EP was written while living at the apartment that “778” is about, so it felt like such an organic decision to create a video for it.

2. What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)? 

There were two huge inspirations behind the video; my obsession with visualizing my mental health disorder, and director Tiffany Wice’s love of horror films. Tiff and I had been talking for almost two years about doing a music video for Monstrosa. When I emailed her the demo of “778”, she sent me an absolutely brilliant music video pitch and we moved quickly from there.

Monstrosa’s name is inspired by a cricket I studied in undergrad called Cyphoderris monstrosa. “Monstrosa” in latin means monstrous, and I have always loved the idea of reclaiming monstrosity, especially as a queer woman with a highly stigmatized mental health disorder (BPD). Tiff’s talent and film-making abilities are extensive, but she has always had a love for the horror genre, writing/producing/directing many horror shorts of her own. I was excited when she approached me with this campy, 70s-slasher inspired, cinematic video as it portrayed my complex relationship to myself so beautifully. The campy tone took a rather serious song topic (being a danger to myself) and made it theatrical, approachable, and fun for viewers. I want my disorder to be demystified and destigmatized. I love getting to play with a band of my demons as it represents the self-empowerment I have taken my whole life to develop. The video also represents a key shift in my artist image as I now play live with the same demons you see in the video.

3. What was the process of making this video?

The first (and one of my favourite) steps was creating the masks for my bandmates to wear. Art director Brittany Rose conceptualized and handmade the four masks you see in the video. We brainstormed what the different demons would look like, using some of Monstrosa’s album artwork by Emma Embur as an inspiration. The bassist’s mask is inspired by the single art for our song “Youth”, the drummer’s mask inspired by Noh theater and my love of insects, and the guitarist’s mask inspired by the girl on the single art for our song “Axes”, who is a recurring character in Monstrosa’s visuals. Britt’s attention to detail and ingenious execution of the masks was a huge part of the video’s success. 

Tiff reached out to cinematographer Emily J. Zhang who we were lucky enough to have on the project as the Director of Photography. The two of them assembled a team of 15 incredibly talented individuals for two days of shooting, one of the days being in my childhood home! Tiff not only directed and produced the video, but also handled all the post-production and edited the video beautifully.

With their debut single, “Tell Me All Your Secrets, Pt. 2,” Halifax band Strange Plants push the boundaries of the psychedelic rock genre. Seamlessly fusing a Gap Band-inspired rhythm section with biting rock vocals, the song delivers an energetic yet introspective exploration of fractured relationships and hidden truths.

Produced by Robbie Crowell (Sturgill Simpson, Deer Tick), “Tell Me All Your Secrets, Pt. 2” embodies Strange Plants‘ commitment to blending retro tones with modern sensibilities. Recorded at the iconic Creative Workshop Studio in Nashville, the track’s lush analog production showcases the band’s dedication to creating music that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.

This song was born out of a relationship with someone who didn’t open up a lot and seemed to lead a double life. The frustration of not having any answers.  When it ended it inspired this song; the idea being now that it’s over you may as well “Tell Me….”

2.What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?
Our friend Aaron Martin of the band Okey Dokey is an awesome artist and we just let him cook. We think he nailed it. 

3.What was the process of making this video?

Shared the music with Aaron and told him what the tune was about. He really did a great job of making it feel like a fantastical journey; searching for answers and how our imaginations can run wild.

Edgar Breau, the legendary Hamilton-based artist and founder of cult 70’s psych/proto-punk band Simply Saucer, returns with a brand-new single, “Cornpone the King of Jive.” This track merges the gritty charm of southern-fried rock with the bite of Breau’s literary and musical influences, resulting in a rollicking yet darkly humorous commentary on populist leaders, lovable outlaws, and the morally duplicitous figures who hold the public’s fascination.

Written and recorded in Montreal at Dany Laj’s Lala Pop Shoppe Studio, “Cornpone the King of Jive” boasts a raw, stomping sound that evolved from a fingerstyle acoustic tune into a monster rock anthem. Featuring Breau on vocals and guitar alongside Dany Laj, bassist Jeanette Dowling, and drummer Alex Pauze, the track delivers a snarling, frenetic arrangement punctuated by Breau and Laj’s dueling guitars.

The song’s title is an exploration of contradictions—Cornpone, representing the humble, southern comfort food, paired with the “King of Jive,” the smart, folksy figure who commands attention and stirs trouble. This contrast mirrors the moral complexity of populist figures, as Breau critiques their charismatic yet duplicitous nature.

Rogue Rising’s debut single, “CRUSH,” is an electrifying anthem of defiance and self-empowerment, driven by fiery guitar leads, a hook-laden chorus, and an unmistakable edge. Helmed by Rowan “Rogue” Picard, the band’s fearless singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist, “CRUSH” is both a raw reaction to betrayal and a celebration of resilience.

The track was produced by five-time JUNO Award–winner and Glass Tiger founding member Michael Hanson, who helped elevate Rogue’s uncompromising vision. With its sharp blend of rock, pop punk, and melodic solos, “CRUSH” captures a sound that is as relatable as it is rebellious.

Written during a deeply personal time, “CRUSH” channels the frustration of being underestimated and turns it into fuel for overcoming negativity. The result is a cathartic, guitar-driven track with a message that resonates universally: rise above, embrace your power, and never let anyone dull your fire.

Nick Faye is a songwriter from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, living on Treaty 4 Territory. His new song, “Undone,” dives into the frustrations and fatigue of navigating the modern dating world. Written during a particularly challenging two-month stretch, the song reflects Faye’s feelings after being canceled on or ghosted for six out of seven consecutive dates.

“Undone” is for anyone feeling worn out from online dating while trying to hold onto optimism. It blends lighthearted and silly lyrics with the emotional struggles of putting yourself out there in an unpredictable dating landscape.

Dating can be really fun, and I made some really special memories while getting to know a lot of great people I met online or in person. But sometimes people can be really cruel on the internet or disrespectful towards others’ time, attention, and energy. This song was written when I was feeling tired and worn out from a particularly brutal period of online dating. – Nick Faye

The greatest new group in the world is Total Fucking Darkness (Torquil Campbell, the endlessly effusive, increasingly bald member of Stars, and Stephen Ramsay, the gentle giant behind Montreal’s Young Galaxy), partnered with English studio genius and synthesist Tom McFall (whose engineering credits include the likes of REM, Bloc Party, Twin Shadow, Regina Spektor) release their latest single, “Desolation Boys” – a chaotic blend of plastic pop, nihilistic hand bag house, and razor-sharp absurdity. 

Born out of a manic 72-hour writing spree with McFall flying in from London, “Desolation Boys” encapsulates the band’s volatile energy. It’s the sound of three middle-aged men with practically nothing left to lose trying (and failing) to drop the weight of the world from their shoulders – unruly, unpolished, unfuckable with, and, in their own words, “vaguely not boring.” 

Written in the final hours of a grueling session, “Desolation Boys” showcases TFD’s menu to thrilling effect: Maximum Creative Violence Immediately. The song features a mix of savant-like lyrical spontaneity and a raw vocal take where Campbell can faintly be heard yelling, “go fuck yourself,” mid-chorus. Who is he instructing? Probably himself. 
“Desolation Boys” reflects the band’s ongoing exploration of themes like the utter futility of existence, the exciting pointlessness of class war and the rejection of everything that doesn’t BANG.